A Perthshire estate has had its general licence restricted after birds of prey were found poisoned.

Scottish Natural Heritage said the move to restrict Edradynate Estate’s ability to trap or shoot wild birds had been taken on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland.

RSPB Scotland said the case followed the discovery of two poisoned buzzards and the setting of traps.

A further individual has also had their licence restricted.

General licences, issued by SNH, allow landowners and managers to carry out actions which would otherwise be illegal, such as controlling, trapping and shooting wild birds.

The buzzard is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to kill, injure the bird, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.

Edradynate Estate say they intend to appeal the decision.

The RSPB have welcomed the news, but say they are disappointed there have been no prosecutions.

Ian Thomson, head of investigations at RSPB Scotland, said: “We are disappointed that no prosecutions have arisen from either of these cases.

“It has been reported by the authorities that these latest restrictions are as a result of evidence of serious wildlife crime offences being found.

“This part of Perthshire has had an appalling history of raptor persecution and this case followed the discovery by police of two poisioned buzzards.”

Susan Davies, director of conservation at the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “It’s good to see SNH using its powers to restrict the activities of individuals and estates implicated in wildlife crime.

“This range of powers, alongside wider measures announced by the Scottish Government earlier this year to tackle wildlife crime, should encourage the land management sector to show leadership in stamping out these deplorable acts.”

The estate will now be closely monitored while it has its licence restricted for three years, however further sanctions could be imposed on Edradynate if further evidence of wildlife crime comes to light.

“We’re committed to stamping out wildlife crime in Scotland, and will continue to work strongly in partnership with Police Scotland and other members of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW Scotland).”

A spokesperson for the estate said: “We are aware of the decision by SNH to restrict the estate’s general licence. The estate intends to appeal this decision.”